Public Health Policy as Educational

Beyond Short Term Behaviour Change in Non-Communicable Disease Prevention

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19046201

Keywords:

Non-communicable diseases, public health policy, health governance, behavioural change, social norms, health taxation, commercial determinants of health, public health ethics

Abstract

Public health policies to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are typically assessed through their short-term behavioural effects, yet their longer-term normative and educational influences are also key to consider. This commentary argues that public health policy should also be understood as a mechanism that shapes social norms, preferences, and autonomy over time. Recognising this guiding role is essential for a fuller evaluation of policy legitimacy and impact in contemporary NCD prevention.

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Cover image for Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026) of the Georgian Medical Journal, titled “A New Voice in Georgian Medicine.” The design features a modern medical visual emphasizing clinical quality, patient safety, and evidence-based healthcare.

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Published

03/16/2026

How to Cite

Thomas, O. (2026). Public Health Policy as Educational: Beyond Short Term Behaviour Change in Non-Communicable Disease Prevention. Georgian Medical Journal, 1(1), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19046201

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): A new voice in Georgian medicine

Section

Editorial & Policy Forum

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Copyright (c) 2026 Owen Thomas

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